Club Brugge star Chemsdine Talbi has opted to represent Morocco at the international level.

The 19-year-old previously played for Belgium at various youth levels, including the U15, U17, and U18 teams.

Born in Sambreville, Belgium, to a Moroccan father and a Belgian mother, Talbi’s decision to choose Morocco over Belgium has sparked reactions. Belgium’s national team technical director, Vincent Mannaert, expressed his frustration over such choices. Speaking to L’Équipe, he stated:

“Before selecting them, they have to let us know if they want to choose Belgium,” Mannaert said. “They were born here and educated in Belgium, where the clubs have invested a lot of time and energy. And if at some point they can’t choose Belgium, that’s their right, but we will continue with the players who want to.”

Talbi is now expected to receive a call-up from Morocco’s head coach, Walid Regragui, for their upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Niger and Tanzania.